For Release: Friday, June 26, 2009
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661
COSTELLO VOTES NO ON CAP AND TRADE BILL
Calls it “Wrong Bill at Wrong Time”
Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today voted against H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, when it was considered by the full House of Representatives. He emphasized his concerns that the bill will drastically increase utility costs and does not provide for adequate use of coal as the country continues to develop renewable sources of energy.
“I oppose H.R. 2454 because it does not provide a bridge for coal and other fossil fuels to develop and demonstrate new technologies to provide reliable energy and meet the necessary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,” said Costello. “The timelines contained in this legislation do not provide sufficient time to put these technologies in place….Energy costs will skyrocket and workers will face layoffs and plant closures.”
Costello is also concerned that without similar action by other countries, there will be further negative impacts on the United States.
“We must consider the consequences of enacting this legislation when other countries, like China and India, have not taken steps to reduce their own carbon emissions,” stated Costello. “Without some measure of equity on this issue, our emissions may appear to decrease, but they will simply shift overseas, taking jobs and industries with them….Quite simply, this is the wrong bill at the wrong time.”
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